Escape to the warmth, beauty, and easygoing atmosphere on the West Coast with a trip to Bakersfield, California. Nestled within the San Joaquin Valley, Bakersfield is a rapidly growing city packed with attractions. Although Yokuts and other Native American tribes lived in the region for centuries, it wasn't until the late 18th century that Bakersfield was settled by Spanish missionaries and explorers. During the California Gold Rush in the 19th century, Bakersfield was inundated with settlers from throughout the United States and Mexico, and it has remained an important destination in the state ever since. Modern Bakersfield is a top destination for travelers eager to enjoy the warm climate of Southern California as well as a variety of museums and attractions. As the Country Music Capital of the West Coast, the city is also a top choice for music fans. Thanks in large part to cheap hotel deals for seniors in Bakersfield, your next getaway to California can be more affordable than you anticipate, leaving more money in your pocket for fun extras throughout the trip.
After you've settled in at one of the many fantastic hotels in Bakersfield for AARP members, get a feel for the history and culture of the city with a visit to the Kern County Museum. Far from a traditional museum, it occupies almost 20 acres and boasts Victorian homes, authentic log cabins from the 19th century, a gas station from the 1930s, and a range of fascinating and unusual attractions that bring the past of Bakersfield to life. Continue your historical education with a trip to Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, which reinforces the country music focus in the city. Exceptional museums suitable for all ages include the Bakersfield Museum of Science, the Bakersfield Museum of Art, and the California Living Museum, a combination zoo and museum that houses hurt or endangered animals. The culinary scene in Bakersfield is well ahead of the curve, with local restaurants serving up everything from traditional Thai food to authentic Basque cuisine. The busiest and most popular restaurants and bars are in the downtown area of Bakersfield, which surrounds the intersection of 19th Street and Eye Street.
The great rates on hotel accommodation you'll find in Bakersfield are also available throughout the state, allowing you to set off on some epic road trips while in California. If you want to see beautiful beaches and mingle with the rich and famous in Orange County, then a drive from Bakersfield to Newport Beach, which takes just under three hours. If you prefer to head north and get to know the progressive culture of the San Francisco Bay area, drive north a little over three hours until you hit the coastal city of Santa Rosa. In Santa Rosa, you can tour more than 200 wineries in Sonoma Valley or just use the city as a gateway to San Francisco. A little further north, and you'll be in Monterey, a city known for its historic downtown and, yet again, glorious beaches right on the Pacific Coast.
If you're an AARP member, senior hotel discounts in Bakersfield are right at your fingertips. Here at the AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia, we offer a range of incredible Bakersfield hotel deals for seniors and AARP members that are designed to keep your accommodation costs as low as possible. You'll have access to discounts of 10% on select standalone hotel stays, and those savings will only grow if you opt to book vacation packages instead by adding a flight to your accommodation. Wish to book a rental car? Enjoy up to 25% off on select car rentals, and further potential upgrades. These unbeatable deals make it easy to start planning the Southern California getaway you've always dreamed of. Pack your bags with a bathing suit for the Pacific beaches, a pair of sunglasses, and the desire to see everything from historic architecture to quirky modern restaurants in Downtown Bakersfield.